During the busy farming season, everyone works hard day and night, sweat dripping down to the soil. But seeing the baskets of potatoes piling up, everyone is delighted.

The Guo family was particularly excited. If the harvest was too poor while the exiles were farming, they would be blamed by the government.

Jiang Yushu was busy and methodical when she suddenly heard someone say, "Oh, how can this be done? Zhuang Zhubu, please go back to the pavilion and rest."

"That's all right." Zhuang Song rolled up his sleeves and approached with his officers, carrying baskets. He said with a smile, "We're in charge of weighing, but we can't collect the grain anytime soon. Even the smallest family in the village has planted two acres, so it'll probably take at least three days to dig. Since we have nothing to do anyway, we might as well help your family."

Jiang Yushu quickly stood up, her cheeks red from the sun beneath her veil. She said gratefully, "How can this be so embarrassing? It's so hot, and you're not used to farm work. You should go back to the pavilion; it's too hot outside."

"Hahaha, no way! I come from a farming family and have been doing farm work since I was little."

"I'm so bored staying in the pavilion all the time. I'll feel more energetic if I get some sunbathing." Several officials who were familiar with each other were cheerful. They were nimble and quick-witted, and they worked much more efficiently than the old, weak, women and children of the Guo family.

Seeing this, Cuimei whispered in their ear, "Look, those game and cakes we gave them weren't in vain!"

"Yeah, it's worth it!" Xiao Tao chuckled and whispered in agreement, "More people means more work. If they're willing to lend a hand, we can finish the work sooner."

Zhuang Song, a man who studied sages and philosophers diligently from a young age and earned the title of scholar, knew nothing about farm work. He squatted, slowly picking potatoes by the vines, and then, three rows apart, tentatively asked, "Hey, when can we harvest your half acre of sweet potatoes?"

"After we finish harvesting the potatoes, we'll collect them." Jiang Yushu wiped the sweat off her forehead, skillfully shook off the dirt stuck on the potatoes, picked them, and put them in the basket, all in one go.

"I heard that you plan to plant the second crop right away?" As the chief clerk of the Liangma County Magistrate, Zhuang Song paid close attention to the crops with due diligence.

Jiang Yushu was very excited and said happily, "That's right! Just cut the existing potato vines. After harvesting this crop, you can plant the second crop right away, and then you can have another harvest in the fall."

"Oh? Is that okay? As far as I know, in the land of Xicang, sweet potatoes have always been grown only once a year." Zhuang Song frowned suspiciously, holding up a few potatoes. "Besides, they are far inferior to potatoes, and I heard they are prone to disease. That's why locals have never dared to plant more, fearing that their efforts would be in vain."

"I think you should stop wasting your time and focus on growing potatoes. It'll save you a lot of trouble."

No seeding?

How can that be? Wouldn't my hard work be wasted? @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City

Jiang Yushu's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately stopped, thought for a moment, and said carefully: "The existing potato seeds are indeed poor. So I started thinking about it last year and asked County Magistrate Liu to collect potato seeds from various towns in Heqin, other counties in Xicang, and even nearby states. I classified them, compared them one by one, selected the best and eliminated the worst, and bred them -" She paused, patiently explained:

"I got a new one and planted it for a few rounds to try. Maybe it will gradually get better. Who knows."

"This..." Zhuang Song placed the potatoes in the basket and watched the rapidly filling basket being carried away. He nodded with satisfaction and gave a serious instruction: "As long as the Guo family does their part and finishes their work on time, the government won't interfere with trivial matters. Actually, I don't mean to stop you, I'm just reminding you. Since you understand, go ahead and give it a try, but don't interfere with the real work."

Jiang Yushu breathed a sigh of relief and solemnly stated, "Don't worry, I understand and will never interfere with the proper work!"

"That's good," Zhuang Song said. He picked potatoes and chatted with Guo Hongzhe about academic matters, which was a way to relieve his boredom.

At this time, Pei Wenfeng rushed to Liu Village and asked his way to Guo's house, but no one answered the door for a long time.

After finding out the truth, he couldn't wait even a quarter of an hour and rushed to the fields without caring about anything else.

"Whoa!" Since it was a private matter, he hired a coachman from the town.

The driver pulled the reins and stopped the carriage in the open space next to the pavilion. He reminded them, "It's the busy farming season, and there are many people working in the fields. We'll have to keep asking around before we can find your relatives."

The servant opened the curtain and Pei Wenfeng was about to get out of the car, but when he heard the word "relatives", he suddenly stopped and his body swayed.

"Sir? Are you okay?" Cai Chun was startled and hurried to support him. Wu Liang helped him to the ground and said worriedly:

"Oh, it's really too hot. I recovered from my last illness only two days ago, and now I'm probably suffering from heatstroke again."

Pei Wenfeng stood firm, calmed down a bit, and walked quickly along the canal, looking around anxiously, and ordered in a deep voice: "Don't just stand there, go and find out!"

"Yes." The two servants had to cheer up, ran down to the fields, and found a villager to ask. When the other party heard that he was a relative of the Guo family, he readily put down his farm work and enthusiastically led the way.

After a while

The villager pointed and shouted, "Look, there's the Guo family!" After leading the way, he asked curiously, "Four able-bodied men from the Guo family have joined the army. They're busy suppressing the Northern Qi bandits and can only return home when they have time. I wonder which of them is your relative? What kind of relative?"

Wu Liang avoided the question and said, "I saw it! Thank you, bro."

"No need to thank me, just go ahead." The villagers didn't get angry even though they didn't get a response. They continued to work on the farm.

At noon, the sun was shining brightly in the sky and the heat was scorching.

Is it her?

Is that her?

Pei Wenfeng's forehead was covered with sweat, his eyes were fixed, he stared at something not far away, and walked with one foot deep and one foot shallow.

Two servants supported the young master. When they were several feet apart, Cai Chun couldn't help but call out, "Cousin?"

Cousin?

Jiang Yushu had her back to the canal. When she heard this, she was startled and turned her head quickly.

Cuimei was facing the canal. When she heard the sound, she looked up and jumped up in shock. She blurted out, "Cai Chun? What are you—" She looked around and stammered in fear, "Cousin?"

Pei Wenfeng stopped, his legs too heavy to move. He stared at the figure excitedly, his narrow eyes unblinking.

"Girl! Girl!" Cuimei rushed closer, anxiously whispering, "My cousin is here! He's here, what should we do? What should we do now?"

Jiang Yushu had already turned around. The moment their eyes met, her scalp tingled, as if struck by lightning. She was at a loss as to what to do. She whispered, "I, I saw it."

"What should I do?" Cuimei almost scratched her head.

In fact, I can’t think of a way to have the best of both worlds, so I can only take it one step at a time.

Jiang Yushu took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and walked towards her cousin nervously.

"Hey? Lord Pei!" Zhuang Song was confused when he recognized the person, but he greeted him warmly and bowed respectfully, saying, "I didn't know you were coming. I hope I won't come to greet you. I hope you will forgive me."

Pei Wenfeng was stunned and had to distract himself, looking at the other person with confusion.

"My name is Zhuang Song," Zhuang Song understood and introduced himself. "I'm the chief clerk under County Magistrate Liu. I met you once at the county office a few months ago."

Pei Wenfeng was absent-minded, his peripheral vision focused on his cousin, and he said casually, "So it's the Zhuang Zhubu, nice to meet you."

"I wonder what brings you here? If you can help me, please let me know!" As a small clerk, he naturally did not dare to neglect the provincial official.

Pei Wenfeng's face was pale as he slowly replied, "I was asked by my elders to come here to visit my relatives."

"Oh?" Zhuang Song, who mistakenly thought the county had sent someone to inspect, was stunned. He glanced at Jiang Yushu and asked awkwardly, "So Lord Pei is your relative?"

Jiang Yushu's heart was in turmoil, and she nodded.

"It's so rare for a relative to come from so far away to visit!" Zhuang Song smiled and said sensibly, "There's tea in the pavilion. Please invite Master Pei to sit inside."

Great! Avoid talking in public.

Jiang Yushu was delighted and breathed a sigh of relief. She said to Zhuang Song gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding." Then, she gritted her teeth, raised her right hand, and whispered, "Cousin, please."

Pei Wenfeng remained silent and motionless, first examining her right hand, then her entire body.

Her slender right hand was covered in mud and was dirty. Her nails were trimmed short and neatly, without any trace of bright nail polish, and there was mud embedded in the gaps between her nails.

She wore a thorny hairpin and a cloth skirt, her clothes washed white from old clothes. She wore a veil on her head, without any makeup, her skin was sunburned and sweaty.

...How can this miserable appearance resemble the pampered daughter of the past who lived in luxury? @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City

In an instant, Pei Wenfeng was heartbroken!

Digging potatoes for the summer harvest, Jiang Yushu's hands weren't just filthy; her entire body was covered in dust. She flinched at the stare, awkwardly brushing off the dust. "I'm afraid you're not used to this in the scorching sun," she urged. "Let's go to the pavilion and chat."

After she finished speaking, she hurried away, intending to lead the other person away from the crowd as quickly as possible.

Seeing his cousin taking a step, Pei Wenfeng followed silently with an expressionless face.

The second son was obsessed with his own thoughts and was repeatedly punished by his elders, yet he still insisted on marrying the already engaged Miss Jiang! This matter was known to everyone in the former Jingyang Marquis Mansion and was once a hot topic of discussion.

Watching the cousins ​​leave one after another, the Guo family looked at each other in bewilderment.

Nanny Pan was very worried. She hesitated to speak and asked anxiously, "Is that Master Pei? The young lady's cousin?"

"Strange, how did he get here?" Guo Hongzhe was puzzled. "And the village chief called him 'Master Pei'?"

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Cuimei was complaining in her heart. She thought quickly and evasively replied, "I'm wondering too. You guys go ahead and do your work. I'll go help make tea!" After saying that, she turned around decisively and left in a flash.

Everyone in the group walked slowly towards the pavilion, each with their own thoughts.

Jiang Yushu was caught off guard, lowered her head, and quickly considered her words, afraid of being exposed, and also afraid of not being able to judge the right measure and causing some misunderstandings... After all, this is the person Miss Jiang loves deeply, how should I face him?

Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with worries and felt distressed.

Pei Wenfeng walked in silence all the way, taking heavy steps, and frequently glancing to the side.

My cousin was wearing a frost-colored silk robe, a jade crown to tie his hair, and a wide robe fluttering in the wind, looking gentle and elegant.

But my cousin was dressed in plain old clothes and looked dusty and dirty. Outsiders who didn't know the truth would never believe that she was the eldest daughter of the Minister of Works and a noble daughter.

The two servants followed tactfully and took the opportunity to get close to Cuimei, but the latter waved her hands with a sad face, indicating that they should not ask any questions first.

Soon, the group stepped into the simple pavilion.

Jiang Yushu and Cuimei washed their hands with canal water, one made tea, and the other said, "Cousin, sit down."

Pei Wenfeng sat down as he was told, his eyes deep and profound.

The other party remained silent, and Jiang Yushu became increasingly uneasy. She hesitantly said, "Have some tea." She tried her best to remain calm, and after a long moment's scrutiny, she couldn't help but ask, "Why are you so pale? Did you get a heat stroke? Or are you sick?"

Pei Wenfeng held the teacup, like a wooden sculpture or clay figurine, and looked at her carefully with his eyes moving around.

"The young master took up his post immediately upon arrival in Xicang, and has been so busy handling official duties that he's worn himself out." The servant couldn't help but interrupt, saying, "Initially, he couldn't adapt to the climate and became ill, and lost a lot of weight. Since the beginning of summer, he's had several bouts of heatstroke. Look at his complexion; it's clear he's had another bout of heatstroke."

Jiang Yushu frowned immediately and asked with concern, "Repeated heatstroke is not good. Do you have any medicine for the disease?"

"I have it with me. It's in the carriage. But I have to boil it in water."

Jiang Yushu looked up at the sky, hesitated for a few breaths, and then asked, "Since you are busy with official duties, I wonder if you are passing by or coming here specifically to visit? How many days can you stay?"

"We were hunting for a fugitive, so we came to Liu Village as soon as we were done. The case hasn't been decided yet, so I don't think we'll be here for a few days."

Pei Wenfeng's ears were buzzing. He clutched the teacup tightly, his hands shaking and his knuckles turning white. His hair was damp with sweat, his voice trembling, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Sister Shu..."

Cuimei and the other three were at a loss and finally left the pavilion and stood outside.

Sister Shu?

Jiang Yushu was suddenly startled, feeling mixed emotions.

"Sister Shu, I'm late." Pei Wenfeng was distraught, his chest heaving violently, filled with guilt and pain, and spoke incoherently: "I know you have suffered a lot, and you must be blaming me in your heart for not saving you in time... But I definitely didn't ignore you on purpose!"

Jiang Yushu was startled when she saw the other person's face turn from pale to ghastly, and immediately comforted him, "I understand! I believe you must have your reasons. I have never doubted your character in my heart, really!"

"You must have a heat stroke. Stop talking and drink some tea. It will cool you down."

This was the fact. Miss Jiang knew that everything was decided by her elders, and she believed in her cousin until her death.

Pei Wenfeng was extremely sad when he heard this. Tormented by the heatstroke, painful self-blame, helpless anger, he was trying hard to hold on to his sick body when he suddenly saw stars, then his vision went black and he fell into a coma.

"You, cousin?" Jiang Yushu was horrified. She hurriedly supported him and shouted for help.

When Pei Wenfeng woke up, he was already lying in the Guo family's side room.

The wing room was narrow, with only a couch, a table and chairs, and a few boxes in the corner. But it was tidy, and the furniture, though old and faded, was cleaned immaculately.

The dusk was deep and the voices of people coming and going could be heard faintly.

He sat up to calm himself down, feeling dizzy. He threw off the quilt and got off the bed. He opened the door and saw Jiang Yushu standing by the well, massaging his aching shoulders and neck. He said tiredly:

"This is a rural place, and everything is simple. We must try our best to entertain my cousin and not neglect our distinguished guest."

Distinguished guest?

What kind of guest am I?

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Jiang Yushu: My brain is running out...